Q&A with Doug Farmer

We have had eight years of turmoil. We have good staff, good department heads, who need a chance to do a good job. With experience, we can do better.

2. What experience do you have that makes you qualified to be mayor?

The weak mayor-strong council, which La Crosse has, functions best when the mayor understands the City Council. I have that experience.

3. What will be your top three priorities for the City of La Crosse if you’re elected mayor?

We are a city of unique neighborhoods. The safeguarding and preservation of those neighborhoods (and tax base they represent) determine the success or failure of everything else. Downtown revitalization, prioritization or TIF's, new budgetary procedures will all come to nothing if we don't stablize and preserve our neighborhoods (and the tax base they represent).

4. What are your long-term goals for the City of La Crosse?

See No. 3.

5. The current mayor and the City Council have had disagreements about several city issues lately. If elected mayor, what will you do to work with the City Council?

See No. 2.

6. How will you balance the city budget?

By State Statute the City's Budget is required to be balanced. Thre are several budgeting processes or models that would contribute to that result.

7. Are you in favor of raising property taxes?

No. The continued rise in property taxes is unsustainable.

8. How long have you lived in La Crosse?

42 years.

9. What do you like most and least about living in La Crosse?

This is my home--where I have worked my entire life, raised my four sons, and now watch my grandchildren who live only 50 feet away gorw up.